Tiltable foundry converter for treatment and storage of molten metal

ABSTRACT

A generally cylindrical foundry converter, located normally about a horizontal axis, is pivotally secured to a pair of arms at intermediate points thereof. The forward ends of the arms pivot about a support, the rearward ends of the arms are abutted against the support, but free to be lifted therefrom. A first power lift means is connected between the converter vessel and the arms to effect tilting movement of the converter vessel with the arms stationary, to place the converter in a vertical position for treatment of metal contained therein with additives; a second power lift means is connected between the arms and the base support to lift and tilt the entire converter vessel together with the arms forwardly, so that molten metal in the converter can be poured out of the mouth opening thereof, the entire assembly being compact and permitting pouring of molten metal from essentially a single outlet location without change thereof as the converter continues to be tilted.

ilnited States Patent [191 [111 3,784,178 Wernli [451 Jan. a, 1974 TILTABLE FOUNDRY CONVERTER FOR TREATMENT AND STORAGE OF MOLTEN METAL Primary Examiner-Gerald A. Dost Attorney-Flynn & Frishauf 5 7] ABSTRACT A generally cylindrical foundry converter, located normally about a horizontal axis, is pivotally secured to a pair of arms at intermediate points thereof. The forward ends of the arms pivot about a support, the rearward ends of the arms are abutted against the support, but free to be lifted therefrom. A first power lift means is connected between the converter vessel and the arms to effect tilting movement of the converter vessel with the arms stationary, to place the converter in a vertical position for treatment of metal contained therein with additives; a second power lift means is connected between the arms and the base support to lift and tilt the entire converter vessel together with the arms forwardly, so that molten metal in the converter can be poured out of the mouth opening 9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 8 4 'SHEET 1 n? z TILTAIBLE FOUNDRY CONVERTER FOR TREATMENT AND STORAGE OF MOLTEN METAL Cross reference to related application: U.S. Ser. 245,457, filed Apr. 19, I972.

The present invention relates to a tiltable foundry converter, and more particularly to a converter in which molten metal can be treated by contacting the molten metal contained in the converter with different zones of the interior thereof.

It has been previously proposed to provide a tipping or tilting apparatus for an induction furnace having three tipping or tilting pivots. The tipping pivots are formed by insertable pivot pins which can be inserted, as desired, as shafts in pivots provided therefor. The pivot points, or pivot bearings are secured with their movable part to an induction furnace, and with their fixed part to the support carrying the entire apparatus. This arrangement has the disadvantage that change of the tipping movement, that is, change of the pivot location from one pivot point to another is difficult and comparatively time consuming.

In another known arrangement, a foundry bucket, or similar container has a pair of fixed pivot pins or rods which are connected to a tipping apparatus which is movably connected to a support. Each of the two pivot pins has a forked bearing associated therewith, so that one pivot pin can be lifted off the bearing when the other acts as the actual pivot point. Such bearings are not protected from dirt or contamination and thus are subject to excessive wear and tear. As a further disadvantage, both of the known embodiments do not permit the level of pouring from the bucket or converter to remain constant, as the container is being tipped, which impairs casting and foundry operations.

In accordance with a further known arrangement, a foundry bucket is readily exchangeable, but can be tipped only to one side, however.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a foundry apparatus and more particularly a vessel which may act as a converter, in which molten metal can be stored and treated, and which can be tipped without subjecting the liquid metal melt to undesirable turbulence therein, and which further permits tipping or tilting within a small spacial confine, reliably, and without using exposed bearings.

Subject Matter of the Present Invention Briefly, a pair of arms are located alongside a converter vessel which is, preferably, generally cylindrical. The converter vessel is pivoted to the arms at an intermediate point of the length thereof. The arms themselves are pivoted at one end on a support, and bear with their other end against an abutment on the support. A first power lift apparatus, such as a hydraulic cylinder-piston arrangement engages the converter vessel on the other hand and bears against the arms, to effect tilting of the converter with respect to the arms, for example to tilt the vessel from a generally horizontal to a generally vertical direction; a second power lift apparatus is connected between the arms and the base support of the apparatus to effect lifting and tilting movement of the converter vessel, so that liquid metal therein can be poured out. The mouth of the converter vessel is preferably located close to the pivot point of the arms, so that, as the converter is tilted, the pouring position from the converter will not change materially, thus facilitating casting of liquid metal into molds.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a schematic side view of the apparatus showing the lifting mechanism thereof; and

FIG. 2 is a front end view, schematically, and omitting elements not necessary to an understanding of the invention.

The vessel which is to contain molten metal is shown as a converter 1. At a circumference, roughly at the center of gravity, a collar 24 is secured to the converter vessel, so'that the converter 1, which is essentially cylindrical, can be centered within a frame 21, to which it is removably interconnected by means of screws 23. Converter 1 is centered within frame 21 by means of a plurality of centering pins 22 which engage corre sponding bores in collar 24. Diametrically oppositely located pivot pins 3 are provided at the sides of frame 21, located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of converter l.

A pair of arms 2, 2' (FIGS. 1, 2) are located on re- -spective opposite sides of converter 1. The arms are formed with suitable bearings in which the pivot pins 3' can engage, so that the converter 1 can tilt or tip over a first axis 3. Arms 2, 2, together with cross bars 20, 20' (FIG. 2) form a frame which essentially surrounds the converter 1. One end 7 of arms 2, 2' is pivotally connected with an upstanding bracket 8 secured to a base support 9. The pivotal connection is over a second horizontal axis 10. The other end 11 of the arms 2, 2' abuts on a weighing arrangement 12, for example in the form ofa pressure transducer diaphragm, or other similar pressure gauge which, in turn, bears against the base support 9. Base support 9 preferably is movable and supplied with wheels or the like, as schematically indicated.

A bracket 17 having a bore 18 is located on the arms 2, 2, spaced from the second pivot axis 10. A pin 19, secured to a rod i3 is engaged in bore 18, rod 13 forming part of a lifting arrangement, such as a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit. Pin 13 and bore 18 form a joint 16 which permits not only pivoting but also slight transverse movement, by forming hole 18 as an elongated, oval opening (FIG. 1). The other end 15 of the lifting assembly 14 is connected by means of a pin 25 with a bearing block 26 secured to the base support 9 so that the lifting unit 14 can pivot with respect to the base support 9.

A bracket 27 is secured to the frame 21 spaced from the pivot axis 3. A lifting assembly 5 has its rod 4 pivoted, at 28, to the bracket 27. The other end of the lifting assembly 5 is pivoted to a bearing 29 which is connected to arms 2, 2, respectively. The arms 2, 2 are upwardly bent, or offset in order to provide the necessary space for lifting assembly 5.

The converter 1 is formed with an inlet and outlet opening A at the front end thereof, normally closed by a cover; a second opening B, at the rear end is provided through which treatment materials, such as magnesium to form ductile cast iron with graphite in spherical form, can be introduced,

Operation: To charge the converter or storage vessel with liquid molten metal, the cover at inlet opening A is lifted and molten metal is introduced in the converter. If it is desired to add additives to the molten material, the cover at B can be opened and additives introduced, which are held in the vicinity of the opening B without, at this stage of the operation, contacting the liquid metal. The cross referenced application, U.S. Ser. 245,457 contains a description of the converter structure which permits this operation. To contact the molten metal with the additives, the vessel 1 is tilted in the vertical position, so that the forward end, with opening A will be in the position shown in dashed lines at 34. Liquid metal within the vessel will then contact additives introduced at opening B. This tilting motion is effected by extending the lifting assembly 5, that is, by pushing the bracket 27, and hence frame 21 with respect to the arms 2, 2, and tilting the converter into an essentially vertical position, that is, with its major axis extending vertically. After treatment, the power lift assembly 5 is brought back to the position shown in full lines in FIG. 1. If it is now desired to empty the converter, the power lift assembly 14 is extended. Since power lift assembly 14 bears, on the one hand, against the arms which support the converter and on the other against the base support 9, the ends 11 of the arms will lift off the abutment 12, and bring the converter in the position shown in chain-dotted lines at 35. Opening the closure at the mouth will now permit pouring off of liquid metal from the vessel 1. Since the forward or mouth end of the converter is close to the pivot axis 10, there will be only small change in the location of the mouth opening from which liquid metal is being poured, as lifting assembly 14 is extended see FIG. 1. The pressure or weighing unit 12 is used to determine the amount of liquid which is introduced into the vessel, so that a predetermined liquid level can be established therein to permit accurately establishing the relative amounts of additives to be introduced through closable opening B with respect to the amount of molten metal introduced into the converter through opening A.

The structure in accordance with the present invention has the specific advantage that a relatively uniform pouring level is obtained, and the converter 1 can be tilted in two directions, that is, with the mouth A upwardly, or downwardly, within a minimum space, and without causing turbulence or waves within the liquid melt in the container. The arrangement of the lifting assemblies is such that the tipping direction can be accurately but independently controlled, while avoiding the use of open bearings which are subject to wear.

Various changes and modifications may be made within the inventive concept.

I claim.

1. Tiltable foundry converter for treatment and storage of molten metal comprising a base support (9);

a converter vessel (1);

a pair of arms (2, 2), one at each side of the vessel and means (21, 22, 23, 24; 3') movably interconnecting the arms and the vessel intermediate the length of the arms;

pivot means (10) pivotally connecting one end (7) of the arms and the base support (9);

abutment means (12) releasably supporting the other end (11) of the arms on the base support (9);

first power lift means (5) connected between the converter vessel (1) and the arms (2, 2) to effect tilting movement of the converter vessel with respect to the arms;

second power lift means (14) connected between the arms (2, 2) and the base support (9) to effect lifting and tilting movement of the converter vessel by lifting the arms off the abutment means and hence lifting the vessel to permit outflow of metal therefrom under gravity, and tilting of the vessel about said movable interconnection means between the arms and the vessel;

a pivot joint (16) interconnecting the second power lift means (14) and the arms, said pivot joint including a pivot pin (19) and an elongated pivot hole (28).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a bracket (17) secured to each of the arms (2, 2), said bracket being formed with the elongated pivot hole (18).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abutment means (12) comprises a pressure or weighing gauge.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising cross members (20, 20') interconnecting the arms (2, 2) at each side of the vessel to form, with the arms, a frame essentially surrounding the converter vessel.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means interconnecting the arms and the vessel comprises a frame (21);

pivot means (3') interconnecting the frame and the arms at each side of the vessel;

and a collar (24) secured to the converter vessel and connected to the frame (21) and centered with respect thereto.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arms (2, 2') are upwardly bent or offset, the first power lift means being located in the free space formed by the bend of the arms.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base support comprises an upstanding bracket (8), the said one end (7) of the arms being pivotally supported (10) at the upper end of said bracket.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the converter is essentially cylindrical and supported with the cylinder extending along an essentially horizontal axis, the forward end being proximate to the upstanding bracket and being formed with an upwardly projecting mouth portion located adjacent the pivotal support at the upper end of said bracket whereby, upon extension of said second power lift means (14), the converter vessel will be tipped about said pivotal support and the lower edge of the mouth portion will remain essentially in the same plane during said tipping motion.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interconnection means between the converter vessel (1) and the arms comprises a pivot (3) located essentially at the horizontal axis of the converter vessel;

and the first power lift means (5) engages the converter vessel at a point below the central axis thereof to effect upward tilting about the pivot upon extension of the power lift means. 

1. Tiltable foundry converter for treatment and storage of molten metal comprising a base support (9); a converter vessel (1); a pair of arms (2, 2''), one at each side of the vessel and means (21, 22, 23, 24; 3'') movably interconnecting the arms and the vessel intermediate the length of the arms; pivot means (10) pivotally connecting one end (7) of the arms and the base support (9); abutment means (12) releasably supporting the other end (11) of the arms on the base support (9); first power lift means (5) connected between the converter vessel (1) and the arms (2, 2'') to effect tilting movement of the converter vessel with respect to the arms; second power lift means (14) connected between the arms (2, 2'') and the base support (9) to effect lifting and tilting movement of the converter vessel by lifting the arms off the abutment means and hence lifting the vessel to permit outflow of metal therefrom under gravity, and tilting of the vessel about said movable interconnection means between the arms and the vessel; a pivot joint (16) interconnectIng the second power lift means (14) and the arms, said pivot joint including a pivot pin (19) and an elongated pivot hole (28).
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a bracket (17) secured to each of the arms (2, 2''), said bracket being formed with the elongated pivot hole (18).
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the abutment means (12) comprises a pressure or weighing gauge.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising cross members (20, 20'') interconnecting the arms (2, 2'') at each side of the vessel to form, with the arms, a frame essentially surrounding the converter vessel.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means interconnecting the arms and the vessel comprises a frame (21); pivot means (3'') interconnecting the frame and the arms at each side of the vessel; and a collar (24) secured to the converter vessel and connected to the frame (21) and centered with respect thereto.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arms (2, 2'') are upwardly bent or offset, the first power lift means being located in the free space formed by the bend of the arms.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base support comprises an upstanding bracket (8), the said one end (7) of the arms being pivotally supported (10) at the upper end of said bracket.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the converter is essentially cylindrical and supported with the cylinder extending along an essentially horizontal axis, the forward end being proximate to the upstanding bracket and being formed with an upwardly projecting mouth portion located adjacent the pivotal support at the upper end of said bracket whereby, upon extension of said second power lift means (14), the converter vessel will be tipped about said pivotal support and the lower edge of the mouth portion will remain essentially in the same plane during said tipping motion.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interconnection means between the converter vessel (1) and the arms comprises a pivot (3'') located essentially at the horizontal axis of the converter vessel; and the first power lift means (5) engages the converter vessel at a point below the central axis thereof to effect upward tilting about the pivot upon extension of the power lift means. 